Monday, November 19, 2012

CAIR: Coalition Objects to NYPD Commissioner's Mosque 'Photo-Op,' Asks for Substantive DialogueA coalition of civic and religious organizations* today submitted an open letter to New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly objecting to his decision to visit a mosque in Queens while ignoring calls for reform of discriminatory NYPD policies, including the mass surveillance of Muslim communities, the stop and frisk of youth and harassment of low-wage workers. Kelly is scheduled to visit the Jamaica Muslim Center in Queens later today. The mosque is one of more than 200 Islamic centers in the New York City area, and is one of the Muslim houses of worship that were spied on by the NYPD intelligence division. (Read more)

(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 11/16/12) -- The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today said that Oklahoma-born, U.S. Muslim Air Force veteran Saadiq Long will make a third attempt to return to the United States on November 19.

Long has been trying to return to Oklahoma since April 2012 to visit his terminally-ill mother and has been barred in his previous attempts, apparently because he is on a government no-fly list. Long attempted to board a flight on November 8 and was denied boarding.

Long's sister started an online petition via Change.org to aid in her brother's return home next week. His sister is hoping that her brother will make it home in time for the holidays.

"Thanksgiving is not about what religion you are or the color of your skin," said Anderson, "It's about spending time with your family, and we want Saadiq home with us next week. My mother's failing heart makes this an even more urgent request that our family be allowed to spend time together as soon as possible."

CAIR Oklahoma is working with Long and U.S. government agencies to ensure that he will be able to return home on his November 19 trip.

"Although it has been a challenging experience on both sides, we have not given up hope that Saadiq Long will soon be reunited with his mother in time for Thanksgiving," saidCAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. "Long has maintained a positive and optimistic spirit even in the face of difficulties, and it is our hope that this third attempt to return to Oklahoma will succeed."

CAIR, a Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization, has dealt with a number of similar cases nationwide in which Muslim citizens are prevented from returning to the United States or faced government coercion when seeking to return home.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.